Page 38 of I Think He Knows?

“Yes, every year,” Cam says. “It’s the best.”

“I’m there,” Leo says.

Jess looks like she might explode with joy.

“So, what did you decide to do?” I ask Jess. “For the event.”

She stares at me blankly for a few seconds.

“Oh—I’m having my students make a massive ‘We heart Eastern Lake Elementary’ banner and their handprints are going to form the heart.”

“That’s a cute idea,” I say. “I’m still trying to decide what to do. It’s a bit more difficult for our kindergarten classes since their attention span is almost nonexistent.”

“Does Coach Cam have to do something for this event?” Leo asks raising one eyebrow.

Cam nods. “Yes, I’m required to show up and be my charming self.”

We all laugh.

“Our principal usually puts me in charge of security,” Cam continues.

“You’re the bouncer?” Leo asks.

“Yes, they need someone to keep the mom-fia in check,” I say with a giggle.

“The mom-fia?” Leo asks. “Is that a mafia full of moms? Sounds scary.”

“Pretty much,” I say.

“Please keep a close eye on Mrs. Wallingford,” Jess begs Cam. “I’m afraid she’s going to put a hit out on me because I didn’t immediately respond to an email. Never mind she sent it at Sunday at four am. Then she sent a second email around five am telling me it was rude and unprofessional I hadn’t replied to the first one. I was fast asleep like most of the general population.”

I explain to Leo that Mrs. Wallingford is Jess’s problem parent this school year.

“She’s one of the more extremes. I’ve never had a parent like her in all my years of teaching,” Jess says.

“And most of the parents are absolutely fantastic,” I chime in. “They volunteer their time and give selflessly to help us and the school in any way they can.”

I don’t like to generalize because overall I love the families at our school.

“They are great,” Jess agrees. “I’ve stayed in touch with many of my students’ families over the years.”

A few seconds later, the server interrupts to deliver our food. Surprisingly I’m still hungry after devouring almost an entire loaf of bread.

“All the parents love me,” Cam announces. “I’m everyone’s favorite coach.”

“Don’t you mean all the moms love you?” I tease.

“That too,” Cam says.

“I’ve heard Coach Cam is quite popular at your school—” Leo stops.

I know for a fact Eliza told him that, but I’m guessing he’d rather not bring the situation up, which is understandable. And now with Lilly working at the school, it adds a whole new meaning.

“It’s true. The kids adore me,” Cam says. “I even heard a rumor I may be recommended for staff member of the year.”

All the color drains from Jess’s face. She only said that because Cam invited Leo tonight.

By the time we finish eating, we’re all finally stuffed. The server clears our table and asks if we want dessert. All four of us decline, and the server drops the check. Cam quickly grabs it just as Leo reaches for it.

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